Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he recently decided not to renew the terms of the members of An Bord Pleanála who have served two previous terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6951/12]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 115: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason he recently decided to renew the terms of the members of An Bord Pleanála who have served one term by a period of two years only; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6952/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.

Under section 106 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000–2010, it is my prerogative, as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to appoint members to the board of An Bord Pleanála. On the expiration of the terms of a number of Board members recently I decided not to reappoint members who had already served multiple terms and to appoint for a further term those members who had served only one previous term. In so doing I believe that I am providing for an appropriate balance between change and continuity at Board level at a time when significant new functions are being taken on.

When appointing new Board members I will be taking account of the balance of skill sets and expertise required for the effective discharge of An Bord Pleanála's complex and wide ranging functions.